Fire chiefs in Suffolk are leading a new campaign to check the safety of electric blankets before the winter frost truly starts to bite, and the scheme should serve as a reminder to householders across the UK to ensure their appliances, switches and sockets are all safe ahead of the mercury starting to dip.

As the Haverhill Echo reports, a partnership between the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, the Suffolk Trading Standards authority, Age UK and the Electrical Safety Council (ESC) is encouraging people to book a free five-minute test in their local area which hopes to significantly reduce the number of fires caused by unsafe electrical blankets over the coming winter.

Fire stations across Suffolk will be playing host to test days, where residents can drop off their fire blankets for testing without pre-booking.

And Suffolk County Council councillor Colin Spence said it was vital that homeowners were aware of the danger of faulty electrical appliances ahead of the cold weather season.

"Appliances which are not maintained could easily start a fire, destroy homes and cost lives," said Mr Spence. "Before the cold weather is upon us, it is important to take advantage of this free testing and to book an appointment for your own safety and peace of mind, especially if your blanket is over three years old."

The scheme, which has already been running for the past three years, has so far tested 1,029 blankets. Of those, 262 were found to be potentially lethal and taken away.

Experts warned that fraying fabric, scorch marks and exposed elements were all tell-tale signs that your electric blanket could need replacing, while creases, folds and damp patches were also listed as warning signs.

Worn flex or loose connections could also put your home in danger of a fire.

Recent research by the ESC has found that half of all accidental household fires result from faulty or carelessly used electrical appliances, and basic maintenance of such goods - as well as the fixtures they are connected to - can help avoid them.